You can’t spell “Indiana” without “Indian.”
In 2024, success stories from Indiana’s Hoosiers and the national political arena share an unexpected twist. Their paths seem smoothed more by fate than by struggle. Kamala Harris, the first woman of Indian heritage stepping into a U.S. presidential race, has risen to prominence. The Indiana Hoosiers, gliding through an undefeated season, have also gained prominence. Both are driven as much by favorable circumstances as by their own efforts.
The stars have aligned for both, like an ancient prophecy. Kamala is untouched by primary ballots or any voters; the Hoosiers are unbeaten and have not played, well, any powerhouse teams. Their paths to glory feel more about destiny than friction, crafted by an unspoken promise of triumph. In 2024, success isn’t so much earned as it is simply waiting to be snatched.
Indiana Hoosiers: Winning Big with a Light Schedule
The Indiana Hoosiers have drawn attention under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti. They have an undefeated season. They are edging toward Big Ten success. However, their schedule has sparked scrutiny, as Indiana faced a notably softer lineup, avoiding the Big Ten’s traditional powerhouses. According to NCAA rankings, their 2024 Strength of Schedule (SoS) is 93rd based on projected opponent win totals. Their most notable victory came against a struggling UCLA, with no wins over ranked or high-profile conference rivals.
Indiana’s performance is commendable. However, the level of competition they’ve faced has led some to question the weight of their achievement. Despite this, media outlets have embraced Indiana as a “dark horse” contender. They amplify their story as a feel-good narrative in college football. Coverage often frames the Hoosiers as giant-slayers, even if giants are notably absent from their path.
So it begins
Kamala Harris: A Presidential Bid Without a Vote
Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign took a unique turn. She entered the race with her party’s full backing. This allowed her to bypass the traditional primary process. President Biden decided not to seek re-election using a unorthodox “exit strategy” and “America’s need for fresh leadership”. He fell in line and subsequently endorsed Harris. She quickly became the presumptive Democratic nominee without undergoing the scrutiny of a primary.
The Vice President and longtime insider, was declared the party’s choice for 2024. Forget the voters, who needed those pesky primaries? The Democratic elite acted swiftly. They slid Harris into the nomination with the joyful grace of a coup, or maybe a coronation. This was conducted behind closed doors. Endorsements came in rapidly, keeping pace with the joyful press releases. The media, always ready with “historic” headlines, praised this “passing of the torch.”
Media portrayals emphasize her historic potential as the first Indian female president. They also spotlight her stances on climate change, criminal justice reform, border security, health care, and economic reform. Despite the unconventional route, press coverage has effectively positioned her as the Democratic standard-bearer at a pivotal moment. It solidifies her place in the party without traditional primary validation.
Media Support: The Common Denominator
Shuddering with delight, the media has played a crucial role in the ascensions of both the Hoosiers and Harris. Indiana’s undefeated streak is celebrated as a classic underdog story. The coverage builds a David-versus-Goliath narrative, even though the “Goliaths” have been conspicuously absent.
Similarly, Harris’s unchallenged nomination is seen as necessary for continuity in the Democratic agenda. This portrays her as an essential leader in a pivotal election year. In both cases, enthusiastic media narratives bolster their public profiles. These narratives shape perceptions that lean more on storyline than on substantive challenges or achievements.
The Media and the Duplicity of the B1G’s Playoff Push
The Big Ten (B1G) is making a high-stakes play for CFP dominance. They are aiming to secure four playoff spots in 2024. Indiana is right at the center of the action. Taking the guardrails off resulted in a “truly staggering” appearance of an empty vassal Indiana team.
- Ohio State vs. Indiana: Ohio State hands Indiana its only loss, positioning the Hoosiers as a resilient 12-1 team worthy of playoff consideration.
- Ohio State vs. Oregon (B1G Championship): Ohio State defeats an undefeated Oregon, making the Ducks another one-loss B1G team.
- Penn State vs. Ohio State: Penn State takes its only loss against Ohio State but finishes strong to secure a 12-1 record.
Four one-loss B1G teams are standing tall. The conference uses every resource to build the case. They will run media blitzes celebrating B1G’s “unmatched strength.” Officiating calls have and will continue to often seem to favor specific teams. Analysts, swayed by the orchestrated campaign, proclaim B1G’s depth and dominance. They urge the CFP committee to recognize the Big Ten’s unparalleled right to lead the playoff field.
Cultural Enthusiasm: Hoosier Fans and Liberal White Women
Harris’s most passionate supporters rally fervently around her candidacy. Many liberal white women see her as a symbol of empowerment. Her candidacy represents feminist progress. For many, her policies or track record may be secondary. The image of a historic female president is symbolized by hashtags like “#MadamPresident” and social media posts celebrating her candidacy. The lack of primary validation is often overlooked by her fan base, who view her candidacy as a near-mythical ascent.
Indiana’s fan base may not match Harris’s in numbers and intensity. However, local, regional, and now national sports outlets have embraced the team’s “success” in a similar way. Every win is celebrated as a landmark achievement, often overlooking the relatively modest competition. Harris’s supporters disregard critiques of her unchallenged nomination. Similarly, Hoosier fans and media selectively highlight Indiana’s wins. This boosts both to elevated levels in the public eye.
Both the Hoosiers and Harris highlight 2024 as a year of crafted narratives. Traditional measures of success—be it athletic grit or political vetting—take a backseat to favorable circumstances. The public’s embrace of these paths is guided by media and momentum. This might reveal more about our cultural appetite for mythmaking than for earned success. Some would even say they “didn’t earn it”.
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